When should discharge planning begin for a client admitted to a long-term care facility for rehabilitation after a total hip arthroplasty?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Discharge planning should begin upon the client's admission to the care facility. This early start allows the healthcare team to conduct assessments, set goals, and coordinate services for a smooth transition back home or to the community. Initiating discharge planning early ensures timely arrangements, leading to optimal outcomes and continuity of care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because waiting until one week before discharge, after the discharge date is identified, or until the client brings up the topic may lead to rushed decision-making, inadequate arrangements, and a less effective transition process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When assisting a client with bilateral casts on her hands with feeding, the nurse should sit at the bedside. This action is crucial to provide the client with the nurse's full attention during the feeding process. Sitting at the bedside helps avoid appearing rushed and ensures a safe and comfortable environment for the client. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may be relevant in other situations, the priority when assisting a client with bilateral casts on her hands is to ensure proper attention and a comfortable setting during feeding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: For infants and young children, the vastus lateralis muscle located over the anterior thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injections. This site is chosen for its large muscle mass and reduced risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels. Infants have less developed muscle structures, making the vastus lateralis a safer and more effective site for injections compared to other sites like the deltoid, ventrogluteal, or dorsogluteal. Using the correct injection site is essential to prevent complications and ensure the proper absorption of the medication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a client with major fecal incontinence reports irritation in the perianal area, the nurse's initial action should be to assess the client's perineum to gather more information. By checking the perineum, the nurse can identify the extent and nature of the irritation, allowing for appropriate interventions to be initiated. This assessment is crucial in developing a comprehensive care plan and addressing the client's immediate needs effectively. Applying the nursing process priority-setting framework helps in planning care and prioritizing nursing actions, making assessment the initial step in this scenario. Applying a fecal collection system (choice A) would be premature without assessing the perineal area first. Similarly, applying a barrier cream (choice B) or cleansing and drying the area (choice C) should follow the assessment to ensure appropriate interventions are chosen based on the assessment findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Edema at the infusion site is an indication of infiltration, where fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues causing swelling. This can compromise the delivery of medication and fluids, potentially leading to complications. Redness, warmth, and oozing of blood are more suggestive of inflammation or infection rather than infiltration. Infiltration requires prompt recognition and intervention to prevent further issues with the IV therapy.